Una Stancev: From War Refugee to World Champion
Personal Background
Una Stancev Stevanovic was born on August 27, 2002, in Serbia, but her remarkable journey began when she was just ten months old. Her family fled the Balkan conflict in search of a safer, more promising life, settling in La Herradura, Spain. This early experience of displacement and resilience would shape the character that has propelled her to athletic greatness.
Back in Serbia, her father had been a university sports professor, her mother a scientist. In Spain, they left behind their careers to start from scratch, demonstrating the sacrifices immigrant families often make for their children’s futures. Una is now a proud Spanish citizen, having grown up entirely in her adopted homeland.
Athletic Career and Achievements
Una Stancev specializes in high jump and has rapidly emerged as one of Spain’s most promising track and field athletes. Her athletic journey began at age 14 when she stepped onto the athletics track in Nerja and everything changed. She fell in love with high jump and began training with Trops-Cueva de Nerja, the Axarquia club she still proudly represents.
Major Accomplishments
World University Games Victory (2025) Una’s breakthrough moment came in July 2025 when she claimed gold at the World University Games in Bochum, Germany, with a personal best of 1.91 metres. This achievement was particularly significant as the jump equals the Andalusian record she already held, and places her as the third-best Spanish woman of all time in the event.
National Championships Una is a 4-time National champion and 2-time National Indoor champion, demonstrating her consistent dominance in Spanish athletics across both indoor and outdoor seasons.
International Recognition Her success has earned her international recognition, with current World Rankings placing her at #34 in Women’s high jump. She is being hailed as “the next Ruth Beitia”, drawing comparisons to the Spanish Olympic champion, which represents the highest praise possible for a Spanish high jumper given Ruth Beitia’s status as Spain’s only Olympic champion in athletics.
Training and Athletic Base
Una continues to train with Trops-Cueva de Nerja, the club where she first discovered her passion for high jumping. Her base in the AxarquÃa region of Andalusia has provided her with excellent training conditions and strong local support throughout her career development.
Personal Characteristics and Inspiration
Una’s story embodies resilience and the power of sport to transform lives. From arriving in Spain as a refugee baby to becoming one of the country’s top athletes, her journey represents both personal triumph and the positive impact of inclusive sporting communities. Her family’s academic background – with parents who were a university sports professor and scientist in Serbia – likely contributed to her disciplined approach to training and competition.
Current Status and Future Prospects
At just 23 years old, Una Stancev represents the future of Spanish athletics. Her recent World University Games gold medal, combined with her personal best of 1.91 meters, positions her as a serious contender for major international competitions. As she continues to develop under the guidance of her coaches in Nerja, the athletics world will be watching to see how high this remarkable young woman can soar.
Her story serves as an inspiration not only to young athletes but also to immigrant communities, showing how talent, dedication, and opportunity can combine to create extraordinary achievements on the world stage.
Go Una!
